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Md. Trooper Shortage Adds Patrol Burden To County

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- Maryland State Police say they're asking local officers in at least one county to patrol state highways due to a trooper shortage and a reorganization of the state agency.

Spokesman Greg Shipley told The Frederick News-Post Tuesday that state police are operating at about 90 percent of their authorized trooper workforce. He says it will be at least 9 1/2 months before the first class of new recruits is ready for the road.

As a result, the Frederick County Sheriff's Office has agreed to patrol state routes 355 and 85 in Frederick County.

Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins says it's not clear how much overtime the added responsibility will entail.

Shipley says some troopers have been reassigned to other duties such as aviation and commercial vehicle enforcement.
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(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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